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Winter Wander Trail of Lights

Virginia's Premier Holiday Light Show

Season Dates: Nov. 14, 2025 - Jan. 3, 2026

The beauty of light and whimsey of nature come together in perfect harmony at our Winter Wander Trail of Lights, returning for its fifth consecutive year of wintertime fun with family and friends. Experience the nature of our rolling landscape during this illuminated lakeside stroll as an extraordinary palette of colorful illuminations blanket the natural surroundings for a magical show of lights like no other.

Single-night ticket sales begin July 21, 2025.

Christmas in July Savings

Our Christmas in July promotion brings early discounts on stay packages and season passes. Single-night ticket sales will begin July 21.

Buy Season Passes

Guests who book the overnight Winter Wander stay package will receive luxurious accommodations, tickets for each night to the Winter Wander trail of lights and an exclusive Winter Wander keepsake. An overnight stay also comes with premium VIP access to Winter Wander! Unlike daily ticket holders, overnight package guests receive unlimited access to the event and are not restricted to a single entrance time. VIP overnight guests are also granted the exclusive ability to bypass the ticket lines and can enter and leave the show at their convenience.

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Glistening Grove - step into a world of luminating wonder!

Glistening Grove is our newest display at this year's Winter Wander Trail of Lights, featuring a full walkway around Firefly Pond with more than 700 dynamically illuminated light posts that move in harmony with a 20-minute musical composition.

Each glowing guidepost casts a radiant reflection across a circular pond and leads “wanderers” back to The Enchantment District where guests can pause to enjoy nightly live music and entertainment shows.

This newly luminous footpath features nearly 75,000 pixels - that's 25 times the number of pixels of Finale Field and the perfect place to pause, play and be enchanted by the natural surroundings!

Book Your Stay Package

Guests who book this package will receive luxurious accommodations, tickets for each night to the Winter Wander trail of lights and an exclusive Winter Wander keepsake. An overnight stay also comes with premium access to Winter Wander! Unlike daily ticket holders, overnight package guests receive unlimited access to the event and are not narrowed to a single entrance time. Ask about our premium rooms when booking that allow guests to view the entire light show from the cozy comfort of their own balcony.

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Drone Shows & Fireworks

Back by popular demand and now even bigger, our 100-drone show has doubled in size. This year, 200 drones will light up the skyline over Winter Wander.

Join us for four select drone nights: Nov. 15, Nov. 16, Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. Each night will feature two shows, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

We'll also ring in the new year in style, and fireworks will launch at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31.

All shows are weather permitting.

SPCA Dog Nights

Dogs love Winter Wander too and there are only a few nights when guests can bring their K-9 companions.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 21 - 23
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, Jan. 1 - 3

Don't have a furry companion? These nights are still excellent evenings to visit because our local Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA will be here with a few of their best friends who are always looking for a little extra love.

Visit Santa's Mill

The jolly one himself takes time off from his toy making to visit the Winter Wander Trail of Lights each evening until 9 p.m. through Dec. 24. Stop by Santa's Mill in The Market to pass along your wish. Santa visits are complimentary, but there is an additional fee for photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause.

First 4x6 photo print: $20
Additional 4x6 prints: $10
Digital file: $30
Digital file & one 4x6 print bundle: $40

*No personal photography with Santa, including cell phones.

Groups of 25 or More

The Winter Wander Trail of Lights is the perfect wintertime getaway for groups of all kinds, from corporate teams to social gatherings. Imagine your group stepping into a dazzling world of holiday lights, surrounded by breathtaking illuminated displays and the magic of the season.

Planning an outing for your workplace or a group of 25 or more? We make it easy and enjoyable, with a discounted tickets for large groups. This discount applies to all tickets purchased in a single transaction with no food or beverage minimums required. Tickets must be for the same date and time and purchased in one transaction.

To secure your tickets, contact Kevin Thurman: [email protected].

Celebration Packages

Bring your special celebration to Winter Wander! Our team can assist in building a unique experience as you celebrate an engagement, anniversary, birthday, retirement or any event you wish to commemorate with us! Packages are $275 for the general public or $225 for resort guests and include the following:

Two admission tickets for any two guests ages four and up on selected show nights.
One-hour fire pit reservation (with s'mores kits).
One bottle of house wine (red, white or sparkling) ore one beer bucket with six Winter Wander beers.
One digital file Santa photo and one printed Santa photo (prior to December 25).
Personalized planning assistance for your celebration to assist with scheduling, reservations, etc.
One exclusive 2025 Winter Wander ornament per package.

These packages are available on most Winter Wander nights. The general public can add this on while purchasing tickets online. Hotel guests can reserve their experience by emailing Kevin: [email protected].

Plan for the Weather

The entire first half-mile of your wander is outside, so please dress appropriately. This is a rain, snow or shine event. Winter Wander will close only for extreme inclement weather, and any closures will be posted to our resort Facebook page.

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Walking Distance & Trail

The entire Winter Wander loop around Heritage Lake is approximately one half mile in total distance and relatively flat. The trail has been upgraded since our first year and is an outdoor hard-packed surface that is compatible with most strollers and wheel chairs. Although the trail is not rugged, we do recommend wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Boar's Head is a pet-friendly resort, but pets are not permitted to walk the trail during the event. Only legally registered service animals (not comfort animals) are permitted. Although, your K-9 companion isn't totally out of luck. Check our nightly featured events for our annual SPCA weekend when all dogs are welcome to sniff and stroll the trail.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Boar's Head Resort is proud to have Sheehy Lexus of Richmond and Z95.1 as the official sponsors for this year's Winter Wander.

Sheehy Lexus is the official vehicle for Boar's Head Resort.

Z95.1 picks you up with today's variety at home, at work or in the car. As one of C'ville's finest listening experiences, stay tuned to this station for updates about this year's Winter Wander festivities and activities.

Z95.1 Listen Online | Sheehy Lexus